You may have heard of PharmaGABA® and you may be asking yourself, what is it? Well you’ve come to the right place! PharmaGABA® is a natural form of GABA produced with the help of Lactobacillus hilgardii – a beneficial lactic acid bacteria.

PharmaGABA® has been clinically researched and shown to promote relaxation and feelings of calmness (which makes it a great natural sleep aid).

Additionally, its relaxing qualities help to enhance sleep quality as well as mental focus and concentration. PharmaGABA is also the only natural form of GABA that is available for purchase in supplement form.

You can purchase a high quality sleep aid with PharmaGABA here (and safe 50% on your first bottle).

What Is GABA?

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is naturally occurring amino acid found in the brain. It is one of the major inhibitory neurotransmitters found in the body’s central nervous system. Inhibitory neurotransmitters help to ease stress and calm excited nerves by telling the brain to relax.

Amino acid neurotransmitters are crucial for the function of the central nervous system (CNS); they have quick actions, producing responses within milliseconds. They play an important role in proper overall brain function.

GABA levels can decrease when a person is subjected to stressful conditions. Therefore, supplementation with a safe, clinically proven form of GABA, such as PharmaGABA®, may be beneficial in reestablishing ideal GABA levels.

What Is PharmaGABA® Made From?

PharmaGABA® is produced by Pharma Foods International, a company known for producing cutting edge, science-backed ingredients. PharmaGABA® is a natural form of GABA manufactured via a fermentation process that uses Lactobacillus bacteria. This fermentation processes mimics how GABA is processed in the body.

PharmaGABA’s fermentation process uses the same kind of bacteria that is used to ferment vegetables, cheese, and other traditional foods. The bacteria is fed specialized nutrients that help to produce a high level of GABA, which is then concentrated into PharmaGABA through an advanced filtration process.

This process allows PharmaGABA to make the claim that is natural form GABA. Synthetic forms of GABA are produced by using harsh chemicals. The compounds used to make synthetic GABA are regarded as noxious substances and are thus prohibited for use in foods in many countries.

The Benefits of PharmaGABA®

GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps to ease stress and calm excited nerves. With PharmaGABA being a natural form of GABA, it is a great option for promoting a calm, empowered feeling.

In addition to that, PharmaGABA is highly regarded for helping to improve sleep quality. By pairing PharmaGABA with other natural sleep aid ingredients, you can help to ease your body into deep sleep (we include it in our award winning Stay Asleep GABA sleep supplement).

PharmaGABA does this by helping to minimize the “noise” in your brain, which helps you to wind down for a full night of sleep

Taking PharmaGABA as a stand-alone product for improved mood is a good option as well.

PharmaGABA® vs. Other Forms of GABA

•PharmaGABA has 8 clinical trials that back it as an effective product, making it the most researched GABA supplement on the market.

•PharmaGABA® is produced naturally with proven safety and efficacy. Synthetic GABA is produced from various toxic chemicals including succinimide, piperylurethan and fuming nitric acid, N-(β-bromoethyl) phthalimide and sodiomalonic ester, and γ-chlorobutyronitrile and potassium phthalimide. These compounds are regarded as noxious substances and thus prohibited to use in foods in many countries.

•PharmaGABA has self-affirmed GRAS Affirmation (Generally Recognized as Safe) and is approved for food use in many countries. PharmaGABA is also Non-GMO.

Looking to sleep better? Get a perfect night of rest with our FREESleep Guide!

Is PharmaGABA® Safe?

PharmaGABA® is Self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe). Additionally, it is listed in the National Health Product Ingredient Database (NHPD).

PharmaGABA has been used in foods, beverages and supplements for many years with a proven track record of safety.

PharmaGABA Side Effects

There have been no reports of any side effects or drug interactions with PharmaGABA® . However, those who are pregnant and children under 6 years old should consult with physicians before use.

Sleep Supplements With Gaba

At Utzy we have worked with the makers of PharmaGABA to create our Stay Asleep sleep aid with PharmaGABA. We combine PharmaGABA with other natural sleep aiding ingredients to create a powerful nighttime formula that helps you to stay asleep, all night long!

You can learn more about our Stay Asleep here(plus take advantage of our trial offer and save 50% on your first bottle!).

Magnesium Carbonate is a white, powdery compound found in the mineral Magnesite. It is well known as a health supplement - and with good effect.

The active ingredient in Magnesium Carbonate is simply Magnesium, a vital mineral that plays many important roles in the functioning of our bodies.

Lack of Magnesium is a common dietary deficiency in the US, even though it is an essential mineral that your body requires. Researchers estimate that almost half of the US population has a Magnesium deficiency (source).

Benefits of Magnesium:

Magnesium is beneficial in many ways for your body. In fact, it's in every cell in your body! Below are a few of the major benefits of Magnesium.

1. Magnesium Helps to Increase Energy Levels

Magnesium work to increase your energy levels by activating adenosine triphosphate (known as “ATP”) in the body (source). ATP is the energy currency of the cell, meaning, it’s your body’s primary molecule for storing and transferring energy in cells.

Deficiency in Magnesium leads to less ATP being activated in your body, which leads to less energy overall. Eat magnesium rich foods, or take a magnesium supplement, to make sure you get your daily recommended intake.

﻿Interested in a high quality Magnesium supplement? Check out ourU-Mag relaxing drink mixhere.

2. Magnesium Helps to Calm Nerves

Magnesium is important for binding and activating GABA receptors, which helps to produce Serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of well-being and happiness.

Without adequate Magnesium, we are unable to effectively activate GABA receptors. This leads to less Serotonin, which can result in feelings of stress and negative mood.

In addition to calming nerves, Magnesium also helps your muscles to relax.

3. Magnesium Helps to Improve Sleep Quality

Magnesium helps to increase Renin and Melatonin production in your body, two crucial hormones that regulate sleep (source).

In addition to that, Magnesium’s calming affects (mentioned in point #2) are beneficial for helping your body to wind down at night. Consider a fizzy magnesium drink before bed!

You could also take a natural sleep aid that contains magnesium, our Stay Asleep nighttime formula is made with chelated magnesium, and is the perfect sleep aid to take before bed!

Common Magnesium Deficiency Signs:

Magnesium deficiency is quite common in the US. This is due to insufficient magnesium levels in the fruits and vegetables we consume. Below is a list of some common deficiency signs.

• Muscle Cramps and Spasms

• Trouble sleeping & fatigue

• Headaches

• Loss of Appetite

• Numbness or tingling

Side Effects of Magnesium Carbonate:

The major side effect of Magnesium Carbonate is that it works as a laxative. In fact, it is one of nature’s best laxatives!

While most people take Magnesium for it’s relaxing benefits, it can also be take for its laxative affect. For those struggling with constipation, a dose of 500 to 2000 mg daily is recommended. Start small, and then build up until the desired effect is achieved.

Once you've relieved your occurrence of constipation, bring your daily dosage back to the normal range of 400mg per day.

Besides its laxative effect, Magnesium is deemed as safe to consume (whether through food or supplement form). However, some may experience stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. As always, it is best to consult your doctor before trying a new supplement.

The Best Time Of Day To Take Magnesium:

Generally and hour or two before bedtime is the preferred time to take Magnesium. This way you get its relaxing benefits before bedtime, which is perfect for helping you to wind down at night.

If you forget to take magnesium at night – simply take it whenever is most convenient for you, whether that be in the morning, at lunch, or at night. You don’t have to take your supplements with food, but you may want to if taking a supplement on an empty stomach causes you a mild upset.

This is very individual and is something you’d have to try for yourself to see how you react.

Best Sources of Magnesium:

Considering all of the important roles that magnesium plays in the body – it’s a good idea to consider taking magnesium supplements regularly and eating magnesium-rich foods.

Magnesium can be sourced through many different foods, below is a list of Magnesium rich foods.

•Bone broth

•Sea Salt

•Most Nuts (Almonds, Cashews, etc…)

•Brewer’s Yeast

•Cacao

•Leafy greens (such as Kale, Baby Spinach, Swiss Chard, etc…)

Best Magnesium Supplement

In addition to food sources, you can ensure adequate Magnesium intake by taking a daily Magnesium supplement. Our U-Mag Lemon Flavored Magnesium Drink is a great way to make sure that you get enough daily Magnesium.

Flavored with Organic Lemon and with 400mg of Magnesium per serving, it’s a great product to consider adding to your daily routine!

L-Theanine, also simply called “Theanine”, is almost solely found in green tea leaves. It is known for inducing calming, tranquilizing effects while simultaneously improving mental alertness.

Suntheanine® is a 100% pure form of L-Theanine, and is viewed as being the leading brand for L-Theanine supplementation. It is also the most researched form of L-Theanine, with multiple human clinical trials backing it.

Below, we dig into the data behind this ingredient and whether you should consider taking it.

What Is Suntheanine Made From?

Suntheanine®, which is produced by Taiyo (a pioneer in green tea research), is manufactured via a enzymatic process that mimics the natural process in green tea leaves resulting in a 100% pure L-isomer-theanine. It’s not an extract of green tea, but rather is a patented enzymatic process that produces pure L-theanine.

This in-depth manufacturing process creates a highly purified L-Theanine ingredient that is more concentrated than what is found in nature. This allows you to take concentrated amounts of L-Theanine without having to drink copious amounts of green tea every day.

What Are The Benefits of Suntheanine®?

Suntheanine stimulates activity in the brain known as Alpha Waves, which are associated with a relaxed, but alert, mental state. Along with increasing Alpha Brain Wave activity, it also helps to reduce Beta Brain Wave activity, which is usually associated with excited/restless mindset (see chart below).

This makes theanine the perfect supplement for those looking to have more of a positive mood mindset along with focused energy. It can be especially helpful as a natural sleep aid, particularly for those who have a hard time "winding down" at night.

What Does Suntheanine® Work?

Since Suntheanine helps to relax and calm the brain, it is a great substance to take at night to help improve sleep quality.

In a sense, it helps to wind down your brain and prepare you for sleep. With over 1/3 of the US population noting that they don’t get enough sleep at night, l-theanine supplementation looks like a beneficial solution.

The amino acid L-theanine has also been shown to act as an antagonist to caffeine, addressing the “negative” effects such as dizziness, nausea, heart racing, jitters, etc., without negatively impacting the stimulant effect of the caffeine.

L-theanine has been shown to improve focus and concentration of foods and beverages that contain caffeine, hence giving you a focused energy (source).

Please note that these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Is Suntheanine Safe?

Suntheanine has GRAS Affirmation (Generally Recognized As Safe) and letter of no objection from the FDA (with no limits on number of dosages by the FDA). It has been used in foods, beverages and supplements around the world since 1994 with no known adverse effect. Therefore it is a safe ingredient to supplement with.

What Makes Suntheanine Different From Other Forms of L-Theanine?

•Suntheanine has a number of patents. Other generic forms of L-Theanine don’t have similar patents or clinical research on them.

•Most if not all of the research on L-theanine was conducted using Suntheanine® brand. As such, it is looked at as the optimal, most well researched form of L-theanine. If

•Suntheanine has GRAS Affirmation and FDA letter of No Objection (based on safety and toxicity studies).Other brands use the Suntheanine safety and toxicity data to substantiate their safety (regardless of how their product is made).

•Suntheanine is Non GMO Project Verified.

If you are interested in trying a Suntheanine product specifically formulated for sleep support, consider our natural sleep aids. Our sleep products are made with branded, premium ingredients like Suntheanine®. They can help to promote a good night's rest.

Use this link to save 50% off your first bottle of our award winning Stay Asleep formula!

Colostrum is an amazing nutrient dense food! It’s health promoting properties help to have a positive immune system impact, maintain microbial balance, as well as helping to stimulate your body’s normal gut repair mechanisms.

Before we dig deeper into the numerous health benefits of colostrum, we need to take a closer look at what colostrum really is.

What Is Colostrum?

Colostrum is a type of nutrient dense milk that is produced by mammals during the last stages of pregnancy. This pre-milk fluid has a yellow, milky appearance, a result of all of the nutrients packed into it. Mothers will naturally produce colostrum the first 2-4 days after giving birth to their child. After that time period, normal mother’s milk come in and become the main supply.

All mammalian mothers produce colostrum (including human momma's!). Cows produce colostrum as well, it's called bovine colostrum, this is the main form of supplemental colostrum.

Traditionally, colostrum is considered the “first food” of newborns. It contains vital immune and growth factors that help to ensure the health and vitality of the newborn.

The benefit of colostrum is that it is packed with vital nutrients, all of which are necessary for the health of the baby. Newborns are not born with a developed immune system to help them fight off viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. All of the defensive antibodies they need to defend themselves need to come from their food supply, that is, the milk produced by their mother.

It is through colostrum that the baby receives the immunity-forming nutrients that it needs to start developing its own immune system (this system of the mother passing on immune is called passive immunity transfer).

In fact, every mammal produces colostrum after giving birth to their young. Receiving colostrum is so important for newborns that serious health problems could result from not getting it (source). Taking in colostrum plays a big role in a new baby’s development.

One thing to note, colostrum and regular breast milk are not the same thing. Colostrum is different in that it is higher in protein – which leads to faster muscle growth in the baby – as well as being lower in fat than regular milk.

What Is Colostrum? Top 3 Colostrum Benefits

Colostrum is a nutrient dense food. In fact, some have even categorized it as being a “superfood”. While there is no official definition of what qualifies as being a superfood, if there was one, colostrum would almost certainly qualify!

One of the main nutrients present in colostrum is Immunoglobulin G (about 20 percent - source), you can read more about it below.

Bovine colostrum below…..

1. Immune Support

The top benefit of taking a colostrum supplement is increased immune system support. This is due to the concentrated amount of Immunoglobulin G (or IgG for short) found in colostrum. IgG is known as an “antibody”, which are specialized proteins used by the immune system to neutralize toxins and viruses (source).

IgG plays a major role in immune system function, as it defends the body against foreign substances.

While IgG is the most predominant immunoglobulin found in the body - and the most studied - adding more to your diet through special foods like colostrum can go a long way towards helping to support your body’s natural immune system.

2. Supports Gut Health

Colostrum is a beneficial ingredient for overall gut health and repair. It is beneficial for hut health in that it stimulates the body’s normal gut repair mechanisms. Colostrum is able to do this due to the abundance of growth factors it contains.

As a note, growth factors are substances, such as a vitamin or proteins, that are required for the stimulation of growth in living cells.

Colostrum includes several growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor -1 and 2 (IGF-1 and IGF-2) and transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-β2) function to stimulate the growth of the gut. Animal studies have shown that colostrum has also been shown to affect rates of protein synthesis, protein degradation and DNA synthesis (source).

In addition, TGF -β2 may be beneficial in reducing gut permeability and enhancing cell rejuvenation.

3. Impacts Glutathione/Antioxidant Levels

It is has been well researched that glutathione and its precursors are present in colostrum (source). Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant, in fact, some even call it the “Ultimate Antioxidant”. Glutathione and its precursors are known for benefiting overall health and wellness by neutralizing harmful free radicals.

Glutathione, a naturally occurring small protein (also called a peptide), has a primary role as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are well known for their role in the promotion of overall good health.

Antioxidants are naturally occurring compounds that have the ability to neutralize unstable "free radicals". Unchecked these free radicals have been linked to a host of health problems. A growing number of scientific and medical research studies have successfully shown that that antioxidants can help to deactivate free radicals, especially primary antioxidants like glutathione.

This makes glutathione, and other anti-oxidants, an important part of overall health and a key component in healthy aging.

We all want to be healthy, but not all of us are born with optimal health or have the time to nurture a healthy diet and lifestyle. While nothing can replace a wholesome diet, or regular exercise, we can supplement the many nutrients our body needs through other alternatives, like supplements.

The majority of essential vitamins and nutrients we get during the day come from what we eat. A balanced diet should include fresh vegetables, proteins, and grains. But our busy lifestyles can make it hard to consume the right foods.

Luckily that is why we have supplements. Supplements are an easy way to ensure that we are getting our daily dose of nutrients and maintain good health.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is thought of as an anti-aging supplement, but it also provides many other benefits inside our bodies as well. Collagen is one of the most abundant compounds in the body as it is vital to forming the structures of various tissue that makes up our organs, bones, and more.

Collagen, when taken regularly as a supplement, has been shown to provide many health benefits, including support for healthy joints, bone health, a normal metabolism, a healthy heart, liver and kidney function, and may even promote relaxation and restful sleep.

The Best Form Collagen

Now, choosing the right supplement for you may seem daunting, but here are some tips to find what is right for you.

Hydrolyzed Collagen

There are a number of collagen supplements available, some oral and some topical. One of the key things to look for when choosing a collagen supplement is hydrolyzed collagen. Hydrolyzed collagen is made up of smaller molecules, therefore enabling it to be more easily absorbed by the body. The powdered form is the most popular choice amongst collagen supplements as it dissolves well in liquids and food. Studies have shown that after just eight weeks, women have seen visual evidence of improvements, and continued to see these improvements after twelve weeks.

Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides

You may see collagen supplements also referred to as hydrolyzed collagen peptides. The term ‘peptide’ means that the collagen has been broken down into shorter chain amino acids, which are considered more easily absorbed. The most common collagen sources are protein and meat, but for those who would like vegetarian options there are eggshell membrane collagen supplements taken from the shells and whites of eggs. Fish collagen is also a very popular and effectively absorbed collagen supplement as an alternative to collagen sourced from bovine and poultry.

Topical Collagen

Topical collagen supplements are also popular, particularly in the beauty industry, but are thought to be less effective as the molecules are too large to be thoroughly absorbed by your skin. Topical collagen supplements do not always have the same rigorous effects as ingested collagen either. Topical collagen is primarily taken in pursuit of its anti-aging properties, whereas ingestible collagen supplements carry a higher absorption rate as well as a wider variety of positive effects on your overall health.

While collagen can do wonders on the interior and exteriors of our bodies, we also want to make sure we are getting the most out of our supplements. Assuring that our bodies are capable of optimal absorption can be tricky and depends on the type of supplement you are using. Topical collagen has been said to have the lowest absorption rate, sometimes as low as 3%. Ingested collagen supplements, on the other hand, have a high absorption rate and there are natural ways our bodies can increase collagen absorption. It is as simple as vitamin C.

How To Increase Collagen Absorption

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that our bodies cannot produce and must be obtained through our diet. Vitamin C is needed for collagen to form in our bodies. Without it, collagen formation is disrupted; so consuming foods with vitamin C along with your collagen supplement is an important key to maximizing absorption rates and promoting the body’s natural ability to create collagen.

You can take a Vitamin C supplement, or is to incorporate foods rich in vitamin C into your diet. In addition to vitamin C, they also have other important nutrients that a supplement may not offer. Foods that are rich in vitamin C include but are not limited to leafy greens, bell peppers, watermelon and cantaloupe, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, berries, parsley, kiwi, and bok choy.

Obviously eating these fresh off the vine would offer the highest intake of vitamin C, but fresh fruit is always readily available so head to your local grocer’s produce section and look for whole fruits, juices, or dried alternatives.

In short, there are many varieties of collagen supplements on the market, but to ensure you are getting the utmost from your supplement routine, ingestible collagen carries benefits beyond healthy-looking skin. If you are adding a collagen supplement to your diet, it’s hard to go wrong.

Natural Healthy Concepts is a leader in educating people to change their lives through wellness and natural health. They have been offering education on essential oils, collagen, turmeric, and more since 2004

Losing weight is usually a challenge; it requires a certain degree of dedication to our diets and exercise. However, not all food regimes have to be as bland as the plain food that we generally perceive to help us with our “diets”.

Nature has gifted us with a few wonderful herbs that will not only spice up our meals, but also aid in healthy weight loss – among other things.

These power herbs help to support a more effective metabolism and speed up the body’s process of fat.

They also have numerous of other health benefits aside from flavoring meals and helping with weight loss.

Here is our list of nature’s gifts to achieving our weight goals

1. Green Coffee Bean

Most of us enjoy a cup of joe in the morning to perk us up and get us ready for the day ahead, but did you know that green coffee bean extract is one of the most popular weight loss supplements available?

Most people think that you lose weight because of the caffeine in the extract, but the real powerhouse compound in green coffee bean are the chlorogenic acids that are present.

Many believe that this compound is the main ingredient in green coffee beans that aids in supporting health weight loss.

From a scientific perspective, research on chlorogenic acids for weight loss is promising, but somewhat limited (source).

That being said, drinking coffee is a good option for those looking to lose a few pounds. Moderation is key, 1-3 cups of black coffee per day is ideal. Resist the urge to use sugar and/or large amounts of calorie-dense creamer in your coffee.

2. Green Tea

Green tea is one of the most popular tea varieties in the world. It has gained prominence for a number of reasons. It helps in protecting your heart, promotes healthy bones and it can even help to protects your brain from free radical damage.

It contains powerful antioxidants called catechins that help get the body’s fat burning process going.

If you are having problems sleeping you can opt for a decaffeinated variety of green tea; that way you won’t be kept up at night.

Green tea also has has theanine, an amino acid that has relaxing properties that can help you develop better sleeping habits.

A natural version of theanine that you can take in supplement form is an ingredient called Suntheanine®. Learn more about this relaxing natural ingredient.

3. Hibiscus

Hibiscus is a beautiful flower that also has health benefits. It is quickly gaining prominence because it is nutrient rich and full of flavonoids.

It may aid in weight loss by lowering your body’s potential absorption of both fat and carbohydrates. It makes for a great water weight management herb because it acts as a diuretic. Hibiscus can be found in various forms, but if you’re not into green tea, hibiscus tea makes for a great alternative.

4. Parsley

Parsley can be considered to be one of the most popular garnishes in the world. However, it does more than make your food look pretty. It works as a diuretic in your system, meaning that it increases the production of urine. This can help you to flush excess liquid in your system.

Parsley also tastes great so you can add it to any meal as you please!

5. Turmeric

Curcumin, a heavily studied active ingredient of turmeric. New research shows that it may be useful in aiding natural weight loss (source).

This spice also “warms” you up, which means that due to your body’s temperature raising it has the tendency to impact your metabolism.

A popular spice in Indian cuisine, it has made its way into the hearts of many with its unique, delicious flavor. It is best used as a ingredient for soups, stews, and even vegetables. There are some who even turn this powerful herb into a tea (called “golden milk”).

Other Quick Tips for Effective and Natural Weight Loss

•Drink plenty of water. It has been shown that adequate water intake can aid in weight management (source).

•Get the right amount of quality sleep. Sleep deprivation can be a contributing cause of weight gain.

•Discipline is the name of the game. You can only achieve your goals through your commitment to your body.

Creating the perfect weight loss diet plan does not have to be tasteless at all, nor does it have to be supplemented by the numerous chemically based capsules out there.

Nature provides us with many powerful ingredients that can perk up any meal and support your lifestyle goals.

You will find that many of these powerful herbs can help you boost your metabolism, curb your appetite, and as a plus, they taste great as an addition to any meal.

Do not settle for plain and flavorless meals, losing weight isn’t a punishment but rather a challenge. Thankfully nature has stepped in and provided us with a lot of tasty alternatives that can help us with our goals.

Leury Pichardo is an organics health nerd by day and writer by night. He’s constantly out on the search for the best natural solutions to various health issues. Leury is a strong believer that prevention is key, but Mother Nature is a locksmith!

Quatrefolic® is a natural, concentrated form of a Vitamin B9 called “Folic Acid”, a crucial nutrient that is essential for all humans.

Quatrefolic® is highly regarded because it delivers a more effective, bio-available dosage of Folic Acid. You can find it in multi-vitamin supplements.

The B Vitamins are often referred to as being either ‘folic acid’ or ‘folate’. Folic Acid is a synthetic form that is often found in cheap supplements and in fortified foods. Folate refers to naturally occurring B Vitamins found in food.

These water-soluble B vitamins are necessary for the maintenance of cellular functions and health in the human body. Failing to get enough Vitamin B on a daily basis can have a damaging impact on your body.

What Is Folate?

First, remember that Folate and Folic Acid are essentially the same thing. The only difference is that Folate is the food-based form of Folic Acid (with Folic Acid being a synthetic version).

Folic Acid is necessary to your body because it helps to stimulate the growth of new cells. Every person needs Folic Acid, especially women who are pregnant (or that are trying to become pregnant).

Folate is a water-soluble member of the B complex vitamins that is critical for maintaining optimal methylation.

Methylation is the process your body undertakes when it takes a carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms, known as a methyl group, and applies it to critical functions in your body such as: cognitive function, repairing DNA, turning on and off genes, getting rid of environmental toxins, as well as many other functions.

Folate is found naturally in foods such as fruits and dark leafy vegetables, but can be easily destroyed by cooking or processing. Folate from food is a better option than supplemental Folic Acid because it is more readily absorbed by your body (though, it is not as well absorbed as Quatrefolic®).

Sources of Folic Acid

Folic Acid (the synthetic form) is available in cheap supplements and in fortified foods. Since it has to be converted 3 different times in the body before it can be used, it is not optimal for those looking to receive the benefits of this crucial B Vitamin.

What is Quatrefolic®?

Quatrefolic® is a dietary ingredient that is a high-quality, easily absorbed version of Folic Acid. It is naturally produced and is thought of as the best supplemental form of Folic Acid.

Quatrefolic is better absorbed than Folate (or Folic Acid) because it is in a form that is able to be directly used by your body (without having to be converted).

This form is called Methylfolate (or 5-MTHF). Other forms of folic acid need to be converted multiple times in your body before they can be used. See the chart below

What Are The Benefits of Quatrefolic®?

•Quatrefolic provides Folate in a high-concentration, fast-absorbing bioactive form (100% as 5-MTHF). This means that it is ready to go to work in your body right away! This is especially helpful in a supplement form.

•Promotes cardiovascular health and homocysteine balance

•Critical for maintaining optimal methylation, a crucial bodily process that has far ranging effects on the body.

How is Quatrefolic® Made?

Quatrefolic is produced and manufactured by Gnosis Advanced Biotech, a leader in producing science-backed, cutting edge dietary ingredients. They are the sole manufacturer of the only three folate products that can claim both GRAS status and NDI acceptance.

Gnosis does all of their manufacturing in cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Processes) facilities, ensuring total quality control, safety, and repeatability in manufacturing.

Quatrefolic®, a glucosamine salt, is obtained by reducing and condensing Folic Acid. This process creates (6R,S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid, which is then purified by a crystallization process that yields the pure form of this acid. This pure acid is then formed into the glucosamine salt known as Quatrefolic®.

As a side note, glucosamine, as a salt of (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate, does not come from animal sources making Quatrefolic® suitable for vegetarian consumption.

Quatrefolic® vs. Other Forms of Folic Acid

•Quatrefolic provides the active form of folate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), naturally present in the body and available for use. It is ready to go to work in your body right away.

•Folic acid and food folate are not biologically active and need to be converted before they can be used by the body. This makes them inefficient for use by your body in comparison to Quatrefolic.

•Quatrefolic has been independently affirmed as being GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). It is also Non-GMO and Vegetarian.

Is Quatrefolic® Safe?

Quatrefolic® has been independently certified as being GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe). A New Dietary Ingredient notification was also filed with FDA for Quatrefolic with no comments from FDA.

In addition to that, The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has adopted a positive scientific opinion after an in-depth assessment of the safety data and bioavailability studies, a process that has lasted for over two years, concluding that Quatrefolic® may be added for nutritional purposes to food supplements as a source of folate.

It has been used in supplements for many years with a proven track record of safety.

Quatrefolic is also non-GMO.

Quatrefolic® Side Effects

There have been no reports of any side effects or drug interactions with Quatrefolic®. As with most supplements, it is advised that you contact your doctor before usage.

Quatrefolic® Recommended Dosage

The intended dosage of Quatrefolic® is the same as that of folic acid (as is laid out in the Recommended Dietary Allowances). In general, this amounts to about 400mg per day for most adults. A more detailed chart is provided below.

Best Quatrefolic® Supplements

At Utzy, we have worked with the makers of Quatrefolic® to create our Essentially-U daily multi-nutrient supplement.

We combine Quatrefolic® with other vitamins, minerals, and food blends to create a powerful multi-nutrient that covers your daily nutrient needs.

You can learn more about our Essentially-U here, take advantage and save 50% off your first bottle!

You may have heard of “chelated minerals” and how they are the best minerals to take, but what are they?

While the word “chelate” may sound scary and complex don’t fear!

Chelated minerals are simply minerals that have been bound to an organic molecule.

This is believed to lead to better absorption in the body.

We’ll dive into the technical details below:

What Are Chelated Minerals?

Minerals are naturally found in an inorganic state (i.e. they are free of carbon). When an inorganic mineral is combined with an amino acid molecule (think protein), it creates an amino acid chelate.

This process of binding a mineral with an organic molecule is called “chelation” (pronounced ke-lay-shun).

For the purposes of this article, the words “Chelated Mineral” and “Amino Acid Chelate” will be used interchangeably.

Simply stated, chelated minerals are minerals that contain both organic and inorganic molecules that are bound together. Often times, you can find them in high quality multi-vitamins.

This is crucial for absorption, as you’ll see in the video below:

The Benefits of Chelated Minerals

First off, you should know that minerals are involved in numerous different functions in body. For instance, one mineral, Magnesium, is present in every single cell in your body! You can read more about Magnesium here.

Needless to say, minerals are vital nutrients that your body needs for overall health and wellness.

So why take a chelated mineral supplement?

Excellent question!

Amino acid chelates (or chelated minerals) are better utilized by the body because they are better absorbed than inorganic minerals.

Your body absorbs inorganic minerals poorly. Inorganic minerals are the ones found naturally in foods and in cheap mineral supplements.

These inorganic minerals are absorbed poorly because they become bound to other nutrient particles as they move through your digestive system. Once a mineral is bound to other food particles, it is essentially neutralized and is prevented from use by your body. It is then excreted from the body without being used.

In contrast to inorganic minerals, Chelated Minerals are shielded as they travel through your digestion system. This shield, made up of amino acids, allows the minerals to arrive safely in the stomach where they are easily utilized by your body.

Simply put, chelated minerals have increased bio-availability.

This process is detailed more thoroughly in the section below:

Chelated Minerals and Increased Bio-Availability

When non-chelated minerals enter the body they can easily become sequestered by other nutrients and food particles as they go through the body’s digestive tract.

Once an inorganic mineral is sequestered, it is neutralized and becomes unavailable for use by the body.

Chelated minerals are processed differently by the body. They have a ring-like structure of Amino Acids that surround them. These Amino Acids effectively work as a shield to protect the mineral through the digestion process.

Once the chelated mineral reaches the jejunum (a section of the small intestine), the Amino Acid structure is cleaved off and the mineral is free to be absorbed and used by the many different organs and systems within the body.

This why chelated minerals are considered to be more bio-available (that is, easy to be absorbed and used by your body).

What To Look For In A Chelated Mineral Supplement

As you can see, Chelated Minerals are a good option for those looking to increase the amount of minerals that their body is able to absorb.

You can find Chelated Minerals in out premium multi-mineral supplementEssentially-U.﻿Take advantage and safe 50% off your first bottle!

Essentially-Uis different from other daily multi-nutrients in that it contains both the vitamins AND minerals that your body needs for optimal health.

We source our minerals fromAlbion®, a trusted mineral supplier located in Utah. We use their TRAACS® (The Real Amino Acid Chelate System) verified minerals. Albion® is the gold standard for Amino Acid Mineral Chelates.

We use Albion TRAACS® chelated minerals in the following Utzy Naturals products:

Are Chelated Minerals Safe?

There are no known negative side effects of Chelated minerals. They are similar to regular minerals, which are needed by your body for normal function. There are also no known interactions at this time.

What Types of Chelated Minerals Are Available?

You can find Chelated Minerals in many different forms. Below is an exhaustive list of the chelated minerals that are available:

Chelated Essential Minerals

There are many different types of chelated minerals that are available. The ones widely available are listed below:

•Chelated Calcium

•Chelated Cobalt

•Chelated Copper

•Chelated Iron

•Chelated Magnesium

•Chelated Manganese

•Chelated Molybdenum

•Chelated Potassium

•Chelated Selenium

•Chelated Zinc

Chelated Trace Minerals

In addition to Essential Minerals, various Chelated Trace Minerals are available. See the list below.

•Chelated Boron

•Chelated Vanadium

•Chelated Chromium

What Amino Acids Are Used For Amino Acid Chelates?

There are various different amino acids that chelated minerals can be bound to, the most common amino acids being:

Daniel Powers is a health and fitness enthusiast with a background in the supplement industry. He has a degree is business and has allowed his passion for entrepreneurship flow into researching health topics. Outside of work, Daniel enjoys Crossfit, reading large books, and drinking coffee.

The Four Critical Factors For Choosing A High Quality Fish Oil Supplement

1. Form:

High quality fish oil should come in a natural triglyceride form. This is the preferred natural form of Omega-3's that allows for superior absorption. Since triglyceride fish oil is in a natural form, it is more prone to spoiling (as all natural foods). This is why you should look for it to be stabilized with vitamin E (as mixed tocopherols) and rosemary extract to ensure maximum purity and freshness.

2. Source:

U-Omega is a high-concentration fish oil sourced from waters off the Chilean coast. As the world’s least industrialized coastline, these cold, fresh waters provide the cleanest, most sustainable source of fish in the world.

3. Little Fish:

At Utzy naturals we only use fish oil that has been extracted from younger, smaller fish. Larger, older fish tend to accumulate high amounts of heavy metals over their lifespan. This heavy metal content shows up in the fish oil they produce. On the flip side, small fish (such as anchovies and sardines) have shorter lifespans, and thus, less time to accumulate harmful toxins.

4. Fish Oil Purity:

Make sure that the fish oil you buy goes through rigorous testing. If possible, check to see that it is third-party batch tested. Look for seals of approval by GOED and NSF. We have approval from these agencies for our U-Omega fish oil. In addition to that, every batch of oil we produce is tested for over 250 environmental contaminants in a pharmaceutical-grade facility.

As you can see, these 4 factors let you know what to look for in fish oil. In addition to this, if you take a fish oil supplement, you will want to make sure you take it at the best time of day for the best absorption. Here is an article that goes over the best time to take fish oil.

What To Look For When You Buy A Fish Oil Supplement

When buying a fish oil supplement, make sure to that it has the right omega 3 form, that the source is ethical, and that the fish are smaller (which lessens the chance for mercury and other contaminates).

All of this will ensure the overall purity of the fish oil that you buy!

If you are interested in buying a premium, ethically sourced fish oil, consider our U-Omega fish oil. Use thislinkto get a special 50% off trial offer on your first bottle.

We have U-Omega available in easy to swallow softgel capsule form and in a great tasting liquid form (lemon flavored!). Give it a try, you have nothing to lose with our Empty Bottle Guarantee (if you don't like it we'll accept your return, no questions asked).

In recent years Turmeric, the strongly flavored spice with a golden hue, has become very popular in the health and wellness community. With over 3,500 studies, Turmeric is quickly becoming one of the most researched herbs in the world.

Known for its ability to help maintain proper inflammatory balance, Turmeric is well deserved of the attention that it gets.

So what makes Turmeric so special? It all comes down to a couple of unique compounds found in Turmeric. If we break down Turmeric to its molecular level you’ll see that it contains a special group of antioxidants known as curcuminoids.

The most abundant curcuminoid found in Turmeric is Curcumin, which has been identified as the active ingredient in Turmeric. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and is responsible for the majority of health benefits attributed to Turmeric.

Curcumin vs. Turmeric?

Curcumin is the most abundant and active antioxidant in Turmeric and as a result has received the most attention for its health promoting properties. This is why you’ll often see the words “Turmeric” and “Curcumin” used interchangeably. Keep in mind though that Curcumin is only a portion of what makes up Turmeric.

If you are taking only a straight “Turmeric powder”, you may not be getting a whole lot of Curcumin, the active ingredient. This is why it is important to make sure that you buy a Turmeric extract standardized to contain Curcumin.

Turmeric Plant Classification:

Turmeric’s botanical name is Curcuma longa. The plant is low to the ground and produces both a flower and a rhizome (an underground, root-like stem). The rhizome (pictured above) looks very similar to ginger; it is this root-like stem that produces the vibrant yellow colored Turmeric spice.

Though it grows throughout the tropics, India is the largest producer of turmeric in the world.

History of Turmeric:

In recent years Turmeric has attracted quite a bit of interest for its natural health properties, but it has actually been used medicinally for over 4,000 years.The use of Turmeric dates back to the Vedic culture in India, where it was used as a culinary spice and had some religious significance.

According to ancient Sanskrit treatises and traditional Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has a long history of medicinal use in South Asia. Analyses of pots discovered near New Delhi uncovered residue from turmeric that dates back to as early as 2500 BCE. It was around 500 BC that turmeric emerged as an important part of Ayurvedic medicine.

In 1280, Marco Polo described this spice, marveling at a vegetable that exhibited qualities similar to that of saffron.

Benefits of Turmeric:

Through its antioxidant mechanisms, the active ingredient in Turmeric is Curcumin, which supports gastrointestinal (GI) health and helps to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.

Curcumin has been shown to play a crucial role in maintaining proper inflammatory balance in a variety of bodily systems due to its strong NFkB-modulating properties. Studies have shown curcumin supports the maintenance of balanced inflammation in the GI tract, promoting GI health and helping to reduce stomach lining discomfort.

Curcumin has been found to provide antioxidant protection to the cardiovascular system, and to help modulate low mood and fatigue by supporting a normal immune response, reducing oxidative stress and intestinal hyper-permeability.

So what's stopping you? Try this amazing natural ingredient and start benefitting from it! We offer a beneficial amount of Turmeric in our Essentially-U multivitamin along with all of the essential vitamins and minerals that you need for daily health. We include our Turmeric in a high potency extract standardized to contain 95% Curcumin.